When Charissa and I decided to move to Sacramento, we knew we were stepping into the unknown. Transitioning to a new city always comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but Sacramento quickly started to feel like the right place for us. Its tree-lined streets, vibrant farmer’s markets, and welcoming people made it easy to settle in. Every day brought something new—a walk along the American River, discovering a great little coffee shop, or catching a live concert downtown.
For us, though, it wasn’t just about the new surroundings. It was about building a life and finding meaning in our work. Joining the team at UC Davis Medical Center turned out to be a pivotal part of that journey.
Finding Our Place at UC Davis Medical Center
UC Davis Medical Center offered us the chance to do what we love—help people recover and thrive. Charissa focused on post-operative rehabilitation, while I specialised in musculoskeletal injuries. As we drove to work each morning, we felt a real sense of purpose.
The diversity of patients we met was remarkable. Being such a dynamic city, Sacramento brought in people from all walks of life. Some were young athletes nursing sports injuries; others were older adults recovering from surgeries. We also saw patients who had been through traumatic car accidents and needed comprehensive rehabilitation to rebuild their lives. Every case reminded us how important our work was—not just in a physical sense but also in giving people hope.
Supporting Accident Recovery Patients
One of our work’s most challenging yet rewarding parts has been helping people recover after accidents. Many patients came to us at their lowest, facing pain and uncertainty about their futures. Our job wasn’t just about therapy but about helping them see what was possible.
One story that stands out is of a young mother named Elena. She had multiple fractures from a car crash and was determined to recover for her two kids. Together, we built a step-by-step rehabilitation plan, celebrating small victories. Watching her walk unaided into the clinic months later, smiling and confident, was a moment that stayed with me. It reminded me of why we chose this line of work.
Working with Sports Injuries
Sacramento’s love of sports means we see a steady flow of athletes in our clinic. Sports injuries are common, from high school basketball players to weekend warriors training for marathons. We focus on treatment and prevention, teaching patients how to care for their bodies better and avoid reinjury.
One high school wrestler I worked with had dislocated his shoulder just before his senior season. He was devastated. He fully recovered through months of focused rehabilitation and won the state championship. Seeing that kind of determination and resilience is always inspiring.
Helping Patients Recover After Surgery
Post-surgical recovery is another cornerstone of our work. Whether it’s a knee replacement, a spinal surgery, or a rotator cuff repair, no two recovery journeys are the same. Some patients progress quickly, while others face setbacks that require patience and encouragement.
I remember working with a retired teacher named George, who was recovering from a hip replacement. He was hesitant and worried about the pain therapy might involve. By building trust, tailoring exercises to his needs, and injecting a bit of humour into our sessions, we helped him regain his mobility. A few months later, he proudly showed me a video of himself dancing at his granddaughter’s wedding.
Discovering Veteran Organizations in Sacramento
Outside of work, I was drawn to Sacramento’s strong network of veteran organisations. I hadn’t fully appreciated the city’s commitment to supporting veterans until I got involved. From the Sacramento Stand Down Association to local events for veterans, there’s a genuine and widespread sense of gratitude here.
Volunteering with these groups has been deeply rewarding. Many veterans are dealing with chronic pain or old injuries from their service, and offering physiotherapy to help them improve their quality of life has been an incredible experience. It’s also taught me a lot about resilience and community.
Physiotherapy with Veterans: A Unique Challenge
Working with veterans comes with its own set of challenges. Some injuries are decades old, while conditions like PTSD complicate others. It’s about treating the whole person, not just their physical pain.
One veteran I worked with, a former Marine named Joe, had lost part of his leg in combat. His determination to regain mobility and confidence was inspiring. Through advanced prosthetics and targeted therapy, we worked together to help him achieve goals he hadn’t thought possible. The day Joe ran for the first time since his injury was unforgettable.
Reflecting on the Cultural Differences
My time with veteran organisations has also highlighted the differences between American and British attitudes toward the military. In the U.S., respect for service members is deeply ingrained. Veterans are celebrated and supported in far more visible ways than I experienced growing up in the UK.
There’s respect for the armed forces in Britain, but public displays of gratitude and extensive support systems are less common. Seeing how much communities here rally around veterans and their families has been eye-opening. It’s something I think we could learn from back home.
Looking Ahead: Exploring Home Care Options in Sacramento
As much as I enjoy my work in physiotherapy, I’ve developed a growing interest in the broader landscape of home care options around Sacramento. This city has a wealth of services aimed at helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing many of them in action.
Through my experiences, I’ve understood home care’s vital role in bridging the gap between medical treatment and day-to-day living. From professional caregiving services to community programs, Sacramento offers a range of resources that help families navigate the challenges of ageing.
In future articles, I plan to explore this topic more deeply. I’ll share insights into the various home care options available, highlight some of the incredible organisations doing this work, and provide practical advice for families considering these services. I aim to make this blog a resource for anyone looking to understand and navigate the world of home care in Sacramento. Stay tuned for more stories and recommendations.